Abu Dhabi/Dubai: Friday is the first day of Eid Al Fitr, the UAE Shawwal Moon Sighting Committee announced on Wednesday.
To mark the occasion, President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan sent cables of congratulations to kings, emirs and presidents of Arab and Islamic countries.
Shaikh Khalifa wished them good health and their people more progress and prosperity and the Arab and Islamic Nation all glory, honour and welfare.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, also dispatched similar greetings to the leaders of Arab and Islamic countries.
Prayers
Shaikh Mohammad will perform Eid Al Fitr prayers with other Shaikhs and worshippers in Grand Eid Musallah in Dubai.
General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, will perform Eid Al Fitr prayers with other Shaikhs, dignitaries and worshippers in the Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
The Moon Sighting Committee, headed by Dr Hadef Jua'an Al Daheri, Minister of Justice, said during a press conference on Wednesday, it was established that Thursday is the last day of Ramadan, and Friday is the first day of Shawwal.
Al Daheri and the committee members extended greetings to Shaikh Khalifa, Shaikh Mohammad, General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed, Their Highnesses Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates and Crown Princes, as well as to the people of the UAE and Muslims everywhere.
Eid Al Fitr prayers will be held at 6.23am in Dubai. Add four minutes for Abu Dhabi, deduct four minutes for Ras Al Khaimah and six minutes for Fujairah.
